Story Highlights

While some teams will benefit from deadline-day trades, it's what the Edmonton Oilers didn't do that makes them one of the bubble teams with the best chance of making the playoffs.

The Oilers held on to veteran defenseman Ryan Whitney. The fact they didn't move any veterans is a clear indication they think they have reached the competitive stage of the building process.

No bubble team is playing better than the Oilers in the Western Conference. They had won five in a row heading into Thursday night's game. During their winning streak, they out-scored the opposition 25-7.

Star Taylor Hall had 15 points in the past six games, and, more important, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had re-ignited his game. After a slow start, he had 11 points in the past six games.

The Oilers had scored 45 goals in the past 12 games, showing they have an offense that can match the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Chicago Blackhawks.

Other bubble teams with a realistic shot to make the playoffs:

Washington Capitals: After a disastrous start, they have played well of late triggered by Alex Ovechkin's resurgence. He has scored at least one goal in nine of his last 12 games, totaling 11 goals and 17 points.

The acquisition of Martin Erat adds another offensive catalyst. He's a second-line winger who will play on Washington's third line. But he will get power-play and penalty-killing time.

Washington's key will be keeping the puck out of its net. The Capitals still give up too many goals.

New York Islanders: Seven of their last 10 are on the road, but that's not discouraging because they have played better on the road (11-5-2) than at home.

The Islanders will score enough goals. But they will have to tighten up defensively to make the playoffs.

They gave themselves a chance by keeping all of their veterans, even defenseman Mark Streit, who they might lose to free agency.

New York Rangers: All of the recent changes, including moving star Marian Gaborik, seem to have given the team an emotional lift. And this team is all about emotion.

What made the Rangers special last season was the consistency of their tenacity and aggressiveness. They were relentless. The addition of Ryane Clowe will help. After the trades, the depth is much better.

Nashville Predators: The Predators have been very good at home this season, and six of their last 10 games will be in Nashville. No one is paying much attention to the Predators, but they are 4-2-2 in the last eight.

They score by committee, and the committee has responded with 46 goals over the past 15 games.

The next three games probably will write the playoff story for Nashville. The Predators play the first-place Blackhawks in a home-and-home and face the St. Louis Blues, who are just ahead of them in the standings.